Steven J. King
The fashionable Quonset Enterprise Park is Rhode Island’s main engine of job creation and financial development. The park hosts 239 corporations and over 14,000 jobs.
That success rests on the inspiration of two neighboring, now-closed army bases constructed by the U.S. Navy prematurely of World Warfare II. Right here’s a fast listing of worthwhile instruments left by the Navy which have helped make Quonset the financial juggernaut it’s at the moment.
1. 3,200 acres of land
The expanse of the bottom is fertile floor for giant amenities that present jobs in each sector of the economic system. To ease the method for rising companies, Quonset developed the “Web site Readiness” program which ready pre-permitted, shovel-ready websites primed for building inside 90 days of an organization signing a lease and taking web site management. Previously decade, the Web site Readiness program has led to the creation of over 4,000 jobs and $664 million in personal funding on the enterprise park.
2. The Port of Davisville
Constructed for the Seabees, the port hosts one of many high 10 auto importers on the continent. The port helps 1,700 jobs, a quantity that can solely develop as Quonset emerges as a key hub for the offshore wind business within the North Atlantic.
3. Quonset State Airport
As a key ingredient of the state airport system, it serves as the house base for the women and men who serve our nation within the 143rd Airlift Wing of the Rhode Island Air Nationwide Guard, whereas additionally supporting the enterprise neighborhood as a normal aviation airport. The airport supplies the park with all 4 modes of transportation, together with air, land, sea, and rail.
The Navy additionally left key infrastructure belongings, together with:
4. Water system
Quonset’s unbiased water system supplies potable water and fireplace safety for all our companies. It consists of interconnections with native and regional water suppliers for redundancy and resiliency.
5. Storm water system
Quonset’s 64-mile community of stormwater pipes protects Narragansett Bay and was the primary system within the state to undertake Rhode Island’s cutting-edge program to handle runoff.
6. Wastewater remedy facility
Upgraded many instances within the post-Navy period, Quonset’s wastewater remedy facility and the group that operates it constantly earn nationwide recognition for excellence because it serves the enterprise park.
7. Open area
In the present day, Quonset maintains practically 800 acres of protected open area, together with 4 public seashores, and practically 4 miles of motorcycle paths.
8. 18-hole golf course
The 18-hole golf course at Quonset, owned and run by the city of North Kingstown, is without doubt one of the finest public programs within the state. It has earned nationwide recognition from the U.S. Golf Affiliation as one of many nation’s high programs at a former army base.
9. The Seabees “Can Do” Legacy
From polar wastes to tropical jungles, the Seabees lived as much as their “Can Do” motto, regardless of numerous obstacles. The group at Quonset approaches our work with the identical dedication to excellence.
Steven J. King, PE, is the managing director of the Quonset Growth Corp., North Kingstown, R.I.
